US5351927A - Book holder for use with stand assemblies - Google Patents

Book holder for use with stand assemblies Download PDF

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Publication number
US5351927A
US5351927A US07/986,458 US98645892A US5351927A US 5351927 A US5351927 A US 5351927A US 98645892 A US98645892 A US 98645892A US 5351927 A US5351927 A US 5351927A
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United States
Prior art keywords
plate means
book holder
holder according
support arm
back plate
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Expired - Fee Related
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US07/986,458
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English (en)
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Richard J. Howell
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority to US07/986,458 priority Critical patent/US5351927A/en
Priority to CA002110651A priority patent/CA2110651A1/en
Priority to AT93119604T priority patent/ATE155972T1/de
Priority to DE69312653T priority patent/DE69312653D1/de
Priority to EP93119604A priority patent/EP0601510B1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US5351927A publication Critical patent/US5351927A/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B23/00—Bed-tables; Trays; Reading-racks; Book-rests, i.e. items used in combination with something else
    • A47B23/04—Bed-tables; Trays; Reading-racks; Book-rests, i.e. items used in combination with something else supported from table, floor or wall
    • A47B23/046—C-shaped bed tables, e.g. foldable
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B23/00—Bed-tables; Trays; Reading-racks; Book-rests, i.e. items used in combination with something else
    • A47B23/007—Overhead reading-racks or book-rests
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B23/00—Bed-tables; Trays; Reading-racks; Book-rests, i.e. items used in combination with something else
    • A47B23/007—Overhead reading-racks or book-rests
    • A47B2023/008—Overhead reading-racks or book-rests having a transparent book support

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a book holder which can be attached to several types of optional stands and which permits hands-free reading and which allows ergonomically easy, hand-assisted page turning in a wide variety of easy-to-read positions.
  • Another object of the present invention resides in a book holder which permits hands-free holding of the book while reading and allows the book to be held in nearly any position relative to the reader's body.
  • Still another object of this invention is to hold flat the pages of the book without obstructing the reader's view of the text.
  • a further object of the present invention resides in a book holder which offers easy page turning.
  • Another object of the present invention is to hold the pages flat, allow easy page turning, and yet not having to make major adjustments to the device to hold different size books.
  • a still further object of the present invention resides in its modular adaptability to several different types of stands for the book holder which offer great versatility of adjustments to different types of use (home in chairs, home or hospitals in bed, home or commercial kitchen counters, office, floor) by easy means, represents an aesthetically pleasing article of furniture, is easy to assemble and disassemble and consists of components readily connected by screws.
  • the present invention solves the problems encountered with the prior art constructions by providing a transparent cover plate which is movable relative to a fixed back plate onto which the book is fastened whereby support arms on both sides of the transparent cover plate are adapted to engage in receiver plates along the sides of the back plate to guide the movement of the cover plate toward and away from the back plate.
  • a unique mechanism utilizing a toothed configuration along one edge of the support arms in conjunction with a receiver plate having a catch at the inlet opening which cooperates with the teeth at the support arms provides for easy adjustment of the cover plate.
  • Cam areas may be provided in one embodiment of the invention at the bottom and top of the exit area of the receiver plate to permit a smooth-sliding, fulcrumed movement of the support arm for purposes of latching and unlatching the latter in relation to the receiver plate.
  • stands for the book holder can be used with this invention.
  • One type of stand thereby conventionally includes a base, a lower upright post and an upper upright post adjustable relative to one another which are fixedly supported on the base, and a lateral post rotatably mounted at the upper post member and pivotally secured to the back plate of the book holder for universal movement.
  • the base of the stand of a preferred embodiment of this invention is formed of a two-legged base member and of a single leg base member extending at right angle to the double two-legged base member from the center area thereof whereby the caster support members are substantially L-shaped with the shorter vertically disposed leg portions thereof serving to hold the casters while the longer, substantially horizontally disposed leg portions are fastened within the free ends of the base members.
  • the book holder and stand therefor in accordance with the present invention provide an aesthetically appealing furniture item, the component parts of which can be manufactured for shipment in broken-down condition for subsequent easy assembly by the user. By utilizing wood as the material for the component parts, such as ash wood for strength, maple for cost, beech, etc., the book holder of this invention constitutes an attractive piece of furniture.
  • a unique device is used to hold the casters to the stand, allowing the legs of the stand to be very low in their vertical profile, thus allowing the legs to slip under the small openings of couches and reclining furniture, so that the book holder can be positioned for ergonomic reading.
  • stands including two or more rectilinear or curved arms connected with each other by universal joints, supported on a table to which the end of the arm opposite the book holder is secured, for example, by clamping.
  • Another stand which excels in low cost and convenience may consist of an approximately U-shaped one-piece torso member of thermo-formed plastic material which can be placed about the upper body of the reader who can then read on the floor, on a mattress, fouton, etc.
  • the torso member is provided with receiver plates or a curved receiver plate that is molded-in or added on to cooperate with the support arms of the book holder.
  • FIG. 1 is a somewhat schematic perspective view of a book holder and stand assembly in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a somewhat schematic perspective view showing details of the book holder in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a somewhat schematic cross-sectional view through the receiver plate and illustrating the retracted position of the lateral support arm in the receiver plate in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 4 is a somewhat schematic cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 3, but showing the parts thereof in the extended or active positions;
  • FIG. 5 is a partial somewhat schematic perspective view illustrating a modified embodiment of a curved receiver plate in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view, similar to FIG. 5, with parts broken away and illustrating details of the receiver plate thereof;
  • FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a caster support in accordance with the present invention, illustrating also how it is secured in a horizontal bore at the end of a base member;
  • FIG. 8 is a somewhat schematic cross-sectional view of a modified embodiment of a receiver plate in accordance with the present invention in which plastic pads are used to provide cam surfaces;
  • FIG. 9 is a bottom view on FIG. 8;
  • FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of another modified embodiment of a book holder in accordance with the present invention with a unitary curved receiver plate and a catch plate;
  • FIG. 11 is a bottom view of FIG. 10;
  • FIG. 12 is a left side elevational view of FIG. 10;
  • FIG. 13 is a partial elevational view illustrating a modified embodiment of a catch plate in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIGS. 14-16 are, respectively, front elevational, top and right side elevational views of still another modified embodiment of a book holder in accordance with this invention with a unitary back plate/receiver plate arrangement.
  • the book holder in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by reference numeral 100 and one, optional, frame-like stand of any known construction for the book holder by reference numeral 200.
  • the base of a typical, known frame-like stand 200 includes a two-legged base member 201 and a one-legged base member 202 which extends at right angle to the two-legged base member 201.
  • Casters 203 of any conventional low-profile construction are mounted in accordance with this invention in horizontal bores 205 at the end faces of the base members 201, 202 by means of unique caster supports generally designated by reference numeral 204 which consist of a shorter leg portion 204a (FIG.
  • the single-legged base member 202 is threadably fastened to the two-legged base member 201 in a conventional manner (not shown) so as to extend from the center of the two-legged base member at right angle with respect thereto, thereby forming a three-point movable support for the book holder.
  • the stability of this stand is achieved by keeping the centroid of the mass of the book holder 100 horizontally 'inside" of the triangle described by the imaginary lines connecting the three casters.
  • the two-legged base member 201 is threadably secured to one side of a lower vertical post 207 of any known construction while the one-legged base member is threadably secured to the opposite side thereof.
  • the lower vertical post 207 to which the single-legged and double-legged base members are threadably fastened is of essentially square cross section with a rectangular channel (not shown) extending over part of its length to accommodate the vertical part 210a of complementary shape of an upper vertical post 210, again of any known construction.
  • the latter includes a further downwardly extending part 210b which, by means of a plug and bolt assembly 211 of any known construction, permits the upper post 210 to be fixed in any desired vertical position relative to the lower post 207.
  • a lateral post 212 is rotatably supported in the upper vertical post member 210 and can be fixed in any angular position by means of a knob and bolt assembly 213 of any conventional construction.
  • the lateral post 212 is slidably secured to the back plate 101.
  • the lateral post 212 is provided at its free end with a slide mechanism of any known type (not shown). Rotating the lateral post 212 approximately 180° and then reconnecting the book holder 100 upright in this newly formed position allows the stand to be placed on either side of a bed, chair, table or article of furniture.
  • the connection may include a hemispherically shaped connecting member (not shown) to permit universal pivotal movement of the book holder 100 relative to the support post.
  • the book holder generally designated by reference numeral 100 (FIGS. 1 and 2) includes a back plate 101 which is held in position by a stand and which holds two vertical frame members 102a and 102b of at least approximately U-shaped cross section whereby the back plate 101 is accommodated between the leg portions of each U of the frame members 102a and 102b and held in position by any conventional means, such as screws, glue or ultra-sonic welding (not shown).
  • Support ledges of known configuration 103 are secured near the lower edge of the back plate 101, whereby the lower edges of a book cover or the first several and last several pages of a book are adapted to rest on these ledges 103.
  • Ledges 103 can also be molded integrally with back plate 101.
  • known straps 104 suitably secured to the back side of the back plate 101 in any conventional manner such as by screws at the top and by hook-and-loop fasteners at the bottom, e.g. "Velcro" (not shown) serve to hold the cover of the book in place by attaching the straps onto the back of back plate 101.
  • known strings or clips may also be used to hold the cover of the book against the back plate 101 and to hold the bottom of the book on the ledges 103, so long as the strings or clips are not positioned over the reading material.
  • a cover member 106 of transparent material, preferably plexiglass, or injection-molded of polycarbonate, is supported along both sides thereof by vertical frame members 107a and 107b which again are of at least approximately U-shaped cross section, accommodating the plexiglass cover member 106 between the leg portions of each U whereby the cover plate 106 is also fixed in position within frame members 107a and 107b by any conventional means, such as screws, glue or ultra-sonic welding (not shown).
  • Cover member 106 can also be injection-molded as one piece together with the vertical frame members 107b and 107a and possibly also co-injection molded or insert-molded with support arms 110.
  • cover member 106 is integral with vertical frame members 107a and 107b, the connections to the lateral support arms 110 can be by screws, glue or ultra-sonic welding.
  • the back plate 101 may be of any suitable material such as wood, particle board, plastic, etc., and is secured to the vertical frame members 102a and 102b by any conventional means, such as screws, while the vertical frame members 102a and 102b may be made, for example, of injection-molded plastic parts.
  • the length of vertical frame members 102a and 102b can be as shown or need only be as long as the vertical height of receiver plates 112.
  • each vertical frame member 107a and 107b may also be made of wood, routed to form a substantially U-shaped channel-like configuration.
  • the lateral support arms 110 are made of semi-flexible or relatively rigid material and are substantially rectilinear.
  • the top surface 110a of the lateral support arms 110 is relatively smooth while the bottom edge is provided with a toothed profile 110b.
  • a lateral support arm with toothed profiles on both the top and bottom edges to be used on both sides of back plate 101 with countersunk screw fastening surfaces facing outward to allow one mold for reduced fixed manufacturing expense.
  • a catch 113 in the bottom part of the inlet opening 112a of the receiver plate 112 is of complementary shape to the toothed profile so as to engage with same in the retracted position of cover plate 106, as illustrated in FIG. 3, yet enable sliding movement of the cover plate while retracting as illustrated in FIG. 4.
  • the vertical stop 114 provided at the top side of the inlet opening 112a, which limits the lifting of the cover plate 106 and of support arms 110, is out of engagement with any lateral support arm surface while the lower catch 113 is engaged with teeth 110b.
  • a relatively large, smooth cam area 115 and 116 is formed in the bottom and top surfaces of the receiver plate 112 at pre-disposed distances from the catches for purposes which will be described more fully hereinafter.
  • Each cam surface is thereby formed by a slowly rising portion 115a and 116a in the direction from the beginning toward the peak of the camming surface 115 and 116 and by a more steeply descending camming surface 115b and 116b.
  • the camming surfaces 115a, 115b and 116a, 116b may also have similar slants or radii of curvature.
  • the cam surfaces 115 and 116 may also be formed by plastic pads suitably fastened to the top and bottom surfaces of the receiver plates 112 as will be described more fully by reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. The geometry used in the cams only must avoid too much of a gradient against a tooth to permit smooth sliding action.
  • a leaf-spring-like stop member 118 is provided near the free end of each lateral support arm 110 to limit the maximum movement of the cover plate 106 away from the back plate 101 and thereby limits the maximum throw to protect the user from facial injury in the unlikely event that the teeth become accidentally disengaged while reading.
  • the leaf-spring-like shape of the stop member 118 facilitates active removal by the reader of lateral support arms 110 from receiver plates 112 for shipping and assembly.
  • Other types of stops of known configuration, such as screws with nuts, can also facilitate a stopping action of the lateral support arms relative to the receiver plates.
  • the teeth may also extend along the full length of lateral support arms 110 or be truncated to only include the first inch or two.
  • This optional configuration allows positive catching to hold pages flat only in the retracted position while permitting the non-toothed section to slide freely for page-turning in the extended position.
  • the preferred, more fully toothed configuration can accommodate certain readers who prefer to limit the amount of throw of the front plate during page turning.
  • the back face of catch 113 of the receiver plate 112 engages with the corresponding, approximately parallel front face of a tooth of the toothed profile 110b of the lateral support arm 110 to hold the plexiglass cover member 106 retracted and pressed against the pages of the book relative to and approximately co-planar with the back plate 101.
  • the back plate 101 can be left approximately vertical for reading in chairs or rotated nearly 90° for fully reclined reading in bed, without the reader's head being propped up by pillows. Any amount of rotation between these two positions is possible.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates the position in which the catch 113 engages with the toothed profile, representing the retracted position of the parts.
  • This sliding action occurs when the plexiglass cover 106 is lifted above the height of the teeth 110b toward and away from the receiver plate 112, which is possible due to the smooth sliding fulcrum support at the cam area 115.
  • the reader need not be concerned about carefully limiting the amount of effort or the distance required to lift the cover plate 106 because the vertical stop 114 automatically limits the reader's lifting action.
  • the play between the top and bottom of the lateral support arm 110 and the receiver plate 112 can thereby be pre-selected as desired by the product designer.
  • the lateral support arms 110 move in near unison on both sides of cover plate 106 due to the shear strength of the cover plate 106 material in this direction, and due to the control exerted by the reader in guiding this action.
  • the reader can either extend the cover plate 106 to the full limit of its throw, which is determined by the longitudinal stops 118, can then turn the largely unrestricted pages of the book, or the user can abbreviate the motion by simply letting go of the cover 106 at which point the teeth 110b will engage with catches 113 to latch the cover in position. Page turning by the reader is also possible at an abbreviated point even though the ends of the page may hit the cover plate 106. The latter approach works successfully when the entire unit is rotated nearly 90° for fully reclined reading in bed.
  • the reader can now push the cover plate 106 in a direction that is essentially toward the back plate 101, which direction is perpendicular to the planar surface of the cover plate 106 and back plate 101.
  • the inclined plane front configuration of the teeth 110b of the lateral support arms 110 in conjunction with the corresponding inclined plane front surface of the catches 113, allows a sliding-retracting movement of the assembled lateral support arms 110, vertical support members 107 and cover plate 106, without a significant additional effort supplied by the reader to lift the cover plate 106 in addition to pushing.
  • Some small amount of lifting effort of the cover plate assembly may be supplied by the reader depending upon the pre-selected angles of both of the teeth 110a and front surfaces of the catches 113; the selected angle of the book holder 100 relative to any stand 200; the coefficients of friction of the materials of the lateral support arms 110 and catches 113; the effective weight of the moment arm generated by the assembled cover plate, including cover plate 106, vertical support members 107, lateral support arms 110 and their connecting fasteners (not shown); the overturning moment resistance of the book holder 100 and stand 200 (if unclamped); the rolling resistance of the casters 203 of the stand (if unlockable casters are used); the coefficient of friction of the wheel-surface of locked casters 203 (if used and if locked); and the coefficient of friction of the floor that the stand 200 is resting on (if unclamped).
  • the action of retracting the cover plate 106 may be ceased, by letting go of the cover plate, at which point the moment generated by the mass which overhangs from the cams 115 and 116 causes a reaction force to be applied to the interface of the teeth 110b and catches 113, causing the two opposing inclined plane surfaces to slide until stopped by the engagement of the corresponding parallel opposing surfaces of both the teeth 100b and the catches 113, while at the same time the other toothed end of the lateral support arm 110 is free to seek this stopped position as controlled by the teeth 110b and catches 113 because of its smooth sliding interface between the teeth 110b and the cams 115 and 116.
  • the cover plate assembly is stopped from extending outward until a vertical effort is supplied by the reader to the cover plate assembly. (The terms vertical and horizontal are applied relative to the face of the book holder.)
  • the reader may need to add some degree of effort to control the amount of twist between the cover plate 106 and back plate 101 during the action of extending and retracting the cover plate 106.
  • Twiist is a motion described about a vertical axis relative to the face of the book holder.
  • the amount of retraction of the cover plate 106 relative to the back plate 101, and hence book is arbitrarily, and is determined by the reader's own interpretation of how much the pages should be flattened in order to achieve good reading.
  • the compression between the pages of the book and the cover plate 106 as well as the parallel opposing surfaces of the teeth 110b and catches 113 typically depends upon the thickness of the book and the corresponding curvature of the gutter section of the binding area of the book. Thick books or paperbacks may require significant compression. Thin books or valuable hard cover books can be read without significant compression between the pages and front plate and between the teeth 110b and catches 113.
  • the degree of compression and the allowance for different thickness books is achieved by how far the lateral support arms 110, with their corresponding rows of incremental teeth 110b, are engaged with the catches 113 as determined by the reader. It should be noted that in some cases, depending upon the coefficient of friction of the pages of the book, and typically whether the pages are made of coated printing or of uncoated printing, the reader may have to hold the pages flat with one hand while the other hand facilitates retraction of the cover plate 106, in order to preclude frictional and static electricity resistance between the cover plate 106 and pages of the book.
  • the catches 113 and stops 114 can be integral with the receiver plates 112 or separate and attached directly to the back plate 101 as in conjunction with a unitary curved receiver plate, or the catches 113 and stops 114 can be connected to the vertical support members 102.
  • the reader operates the page-turning capability of the book holder 100 by lifting the cover plate 106 and then moving it away from the back plate 101 to a point that will allow enough space for a hand to be comfortably placed between the cover plate 106 and the now extended, loose pages of the book.
  • One hand or two hands can be used to lift and move the cover plate 106.
  • the reader need not hold the cover plate 106 because the nearly parallel opposing surfaces of the teeth 110b and catches 113 prevent outward movement of the cover plate 106.
  • the reader can leave one hand, with the fingers spread open, holding the pages of the book flat, while the other hand pushes the cover plate 101 toward the back plate 106.
  • the other hand can be incrementally withdrawn from behind the cover plate 101.
  • the reader's hand typically need not remain between the cover plate 106 and the pages of the book because the cover plate 106 itself will push the newly turned pages to a flat position.
  • the cover plate 106 is extended away from the back plate 101, preferably while the book holder 100 is rotated slightly upward relative to the stand 200 so that the newly formed, "top" side of the back plate 101 is ready to hold the book without the assistance of any devices, except perhaps from the resistance of the support ledges 103.
  • the friction exerted between the inclined surfaces of both the teeth 110b and the catches 113 holds the cover plate assembly in an extended position.
  • the free ends of straps 104 are now secured by the reader over the insides of the cover of the book (or over the first and last several pages of a paperback) and then positioned around the bottom end and back of the back plate 101 and attached with pre-sewn, glued or ultrasonically welded hook and loop fasteners, like "Velcro" or the like, which are attached to the straps 104 and back plate 101.
  • Both the pre-secured and reader-controlled ends of the straps can be reversed in alternative designs.
  • the book holder 100 can be rotated to nearly any position, not the least of which includes downward positioning for reclined, ergonomic, heads-up reading.
  • the book holder In office use, the book holder can be placed above computer monitors (VDT's) with the book held in an almost vertical position so that the operator has more free desk space and so that the operator's head is more upright and ergonomic during long work sessions--which will reduce neck strain, enhancing productivity.
  • VDT's computer monitors
  • At least the inlet opening 112a and possibly also the exit opening 112b are of vertically turned bow-tie shape to allow only the non-worn, non-edged sections of the lateral support arm 110 to resist excess motion in the roll direction as indicated in FIG. 2. As the edges of the toothed profile 110b become distorted with use, smooth extending and retracting movement might otherwise be restricted without the bow-tie shape.
  • top and bottom inside profiles including the catches and the cams of the receiver plates 112 are thereby symmetrical in shape for use on the left and right sides of the book holder 100.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a modified embodiment of a receiver plate 130 which is now of curvilinear configuration as shown.
  • the support arm should be made of a relatively flexible material whereby the geometry (height and thickness) as well as the flex modulus of elasticity of the material are optimized to allow the conflicting requirements of curving around with the curved receiver plate, yet preclude buckling at full extension to hold the cover 106 where intended.
  • the curve of the curved receiver plate 130 can begin at any point and the cam areas 115 and 116 inside the receiver plate 130 can be contained either within the straight section of the curved receiver plate or in the curved section thereof.
  • the curved receiver plates 130 as shown in FIG. 5 may be embodied at two locations, one on each side of the back plate 101. However, they may also be embodied as one piece, wrapping completely around the back side of the entire back plate 101. If used in two locations, they may also be joined by a covering plate.
  • lateral support arms are again provided with suitable stops (not shown) which slide through openings in the curved receiver plate, if of one-piece construction, and which cooperate with internal stops.
  • two plastic pads 216 are provided in the top surface and a single pad 215 in the bottom surface of the receiver plate 112 to form the cam surfaces, whereby pads 216 deactivate the teeth on the top of the support arms 110 while the single pad 215 allows the teeth 110b to slip past the back corner but engage with lip 213 on the front corner.
  • the pad 215 thereby also serves as fulcrum point to allow sliding movement when the front part of support arm 110 is lifted.
  • FIGS. 10 through 12 illustrates a further modified embodiment of a book holder in accordance with the present invention with a unitary curved receiver plate 330 which is attached to the back side of the back plate 101 by any suitable means, for example, by screws extending through holes 331 in lugs 332 of the receiver plate 330.
  • a separate catch member 312 is provided on both sides of the back plate/receiver plate assembly and is secured to the back plate 101 (shown in phantom lines) by any suitable means, for example, by screws extending through holes 317 and 318.
  • the features of the catch plate could be integral with the back plate, and the curved receiver plate would then be attached using suitable means, such as screws, sonic welding, glue, etc.
  • the catch or lip 313 as also the stop 314 are formed in the catch member 312 which, together with the corresponding part of the unitary curved receiver plate form the bow-tie-shaped entry port 312a.
  • the receiver plate 330 is provided with triangular cam-like members 360 for the assembly of posts (not shown) to keep the lateral support arms from rolling in the fully extended position, as will be explained by reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 14-16.
  • FIG. 13 in which similar primed reference numerals are used as in FIGS. 10 through 12, illustrates a modified embodiment of a catch member 312' in which the bow-tie-shaped entry section 312a' is formed entirely by the catch plate. As to the rest, what was said with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 10 through 12 applies to the embodiment of FIG. 13.
  • FIGS. 14-16 illustrate still another modified embodiment of a book holder in accordance with the present invention in which the back plate 401 is made in one piece with the receiver plate 430.
  • Two posts 461 are provided between the cam-like members 460 inside the curved sections of the curved receiver plate 430 to keep the lateral support arms from rolling and hence buckling when extended.
  • the curved receiver plate 430 is combined integrally with the back plate 401 for unit cost reduction.
  • the catch plate 412 which extends now over the entire width of the back plate, may form the entry section as disclosed in the embodiment of FIGS. 10 through 12 or preferably provides a one-piece entry port 412a' that gives geometric definition to the entry sections of the receiver structure as described in connection with FIG. 13.
  • the separation of the entry section 412a' from the curved receiver section also permits a cost reduction.
  • the separate catch plate of FIGS. 14 through 16 could be attached only to the back plate or only to the curved receiver plate which in turn is then attached to the back plate. However, by connecting the catch plate to both the back plate and the receiver plate, rigidity of the catch area is enhanced so that the durability of this region is maximized.
  • the book holder according to the present invention achieves some important objectives. It permits an ergonomic body position for reading when the book is positioned at or above the eye level. Reader muscle fatigue (and muscle activity as measured by EMG equipment) is reduced when the head is supported in the upright or reclined positions. It facilitates easy page turning when the book is held open for reading to accommodate the above requirements.
  • the book holder is modularly adaptable to a variety of support frames, for use at home, in commercial kitchens, in the office, in hospitals or even on the floor. Unlike some of the prior art, no part of the book holder in accordance with the present invention blocks visual contact with the reading material.
  • the transparent plexiglass cover 106 can be moved approximately planar to the reading material of the book which is typically perpendicular to the face of the reader so that no one surface of the cover moves closer to the user's face than any other surface, thereby enhancing the safety of the reader.
  • the plexiglass cover 106 is supported from the center of the sides so that the user's hands, when turning the pages, can do so unrestricted from the most readily accessed points, the bottom and the lower sides of the book holder 100.
  • the book holder in accordance with the present invention permits hands-free reading, thereby permitting concentrating on the reading material rather than on holding the book, which can be held in nearly any position, even with the book facing nearly fully downward.
  • the reader's hands can also be free to take notes.
  • This unique book holder permits comfortable, ergonomic positions of the reader's body. Although page turning may take the reader slightly longer when compared to unassisted, hand-held reading, the net ergonomic benefit can be greater with the device of this invention due to the allowance of a fully reclined, head-supported body position.
  • the book holder and its several optional types of stands permit use thereof at almost any chair, bed, desk or kitchen counter.
  • the assembly in accordance with the present invention represents a handsome article of furniture which is easy to assemble and disassemble, is compact, light-weight and durable.
  • the basic box structure of the receiver plate can be attached directly to the back plate without the vertical extensions or could even be constructed in one piece with the back plate.
  • the lateral support arms can be joined to the plexiglass cover plate as shown or can be joined directly to the front plate without the vertical frame members.
  • the plexiglass cover can be molded with thickened sectional geometry that will facilitate easy attachment of the lateral support arms.
  • the lateral support arms can also be made in one piece with the cover plate by the use of one optimized material or co-injected or insert-molded in more than one material.
  • sonic welding may also be used to attach the parts.
  • Materials that could be used include a Nylon/ABS alloy, such as Monsanto Triax 1120, as also appropriate high-wear-resistant polypropylene may be used for the curved receiver plate in the embodiment of FIG. 5, while a Nylon 12, such as Atochem Rilsan AMVBLP 40 with a flex modulus of elasticity greater than approximately 8 ⁇ 10 4 psi may be used for the lateral support arms 110 in the embodiment of FIG. 2.
  • the lateral support arms used in conjunction with the various types of curved receiver plates should have a lower flex modulus of elasticity, ranging, but not limited to, approximately 5 ⁇ 10 4 to 7.5 ⁇ 10 4 psi.
  • a bent profile of the cover plate 104 along its lower edge or an added handle may also be added to the cover plate to facilitate an ergonomic finger hold.
  • catch plate could be integral with the back plate, and the curved receiver plate would then be attached using suitable means, such as screws, sonic welding, glue, etc.
  • the book holder 100 can be attached not only to the frame or stand 200 by way of the back plate 101 but also by way of the unitary curved receiver plate to which the lateral post may be connected in any known manner.
  • the cam surfaces on the top side of the receiver plate, especially of the unitary curved receiver plate, may also be optional because the device of this invention also works fairly well without any cam surfaces 116 or 216 on the top side of the receiver plates. This will permit a reduction in manufacturing costs with acceptable loss of benefits of these cam surfaces.

Landscapes

  • Tables And Desks Characterized By Structural Shape (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
  • Holders For Apparel And Elements Relating To Apparel (AREA)
  • Spinning Or Twisting Of Yarns (AREA)
US07/986,458 1992-12-07 1992-12-07 Book holder for use with stand assemblies Expired - Fee Related US5351927A (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/986,458 US5351927A (en) 1992-12-07 1992-12-07 Book holder for use with stand assemblies
CA002110651A CA2110651A1 (en) 1992-12-07 1993-12-03 Book holder for use with stand assemblies
AT93119604T ATE155972T1 (de) 1992-12-07 1993-12-06 Buchhalter zum gebrauch mit einer ständervorrichtung
DE69312653T DE69312653D1 (de) 1992-12-07 1993-12-06 Buchhalter zum Gebrauch mit einer Ständervorrichtung
EP93119604A EP0601510B1 (de) 1992-12-07 1993-12-06 Buchhalter zum Gebrauch mit einer Ständervorrichtung

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/986,458 US5351927A (en) 1992-12-07 1992-12-07 Book holder for use with stand assemblies

Publications (1)

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US5351927A true US5351927A (en) 1994-10-04

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ID=25532443

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US07/986,458 Expired - Fee Related US5351927A (en) 1992-12-07 1992-12-07 Book holder for use with stand assemblies

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US5351927A (de)
EP (1) EP0601510B1 (de)
AT (1) ATE155972T1 (de)
CA (1) CA2110651A1 (de)
DE (1) DE69312653D1 (de)

Cited By (31)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5655744A (en) * 1995-04-28 1997-08-12 Eisman; Gregg Fredric Device for holding printed material
US5720465A (en) * 1995-12-21 1998-02-24 Peltzer; Eric T. Multi-position reading stand
WO1999009859A1 (en) * 1997-08-27 1999-03-04 Mind To Market, Inc. Book holder assembly
US5913502A (en) * 1997-04-24 1999-06-22 Smith; Jimmie Wesley Document holder
US6045107A (en) * 1998-12-09 2000-04-04 Carlson; Terry A. Holder for reading material
US6045159A (en) * 1998-01-25 2000-04-04 Darcat Corp. Book holder
US6116562A (en) * 1997-08-21 2000-09-12 Griffin; Marguerite Portable magnifier stand
US6161803A (en) * 1998-08-28 2000-12-19 Lucent Technologies Inc. Expandable wiring trough for telecommunications equipment
US6283433B1 (en) * 1996-04-18 2001-09-04 Jonathan Lloyd-Hind Method and apparatus for mounting articles
US6439533B2 (en) * 1999-12-17 2002-08-27 Todd Armstrong Book display method and apparatus
WO2003030520A2 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-04-10 Kirtas Technologies, Inc. Automatic book page turner for imaging
WO2003030519A2 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-04-10 Kirtas Technologies, Inc. Automatic book page turner for imaging
US6598839B2 (en) 2001-11-09 2003-07-29 Van J. Loughman Entertainment stand
US20030172795A1 (en) * 2002-03-15 2003-09-18 Lotfi Belkhir Page turning apparatus with a vacuum plenum and an adaptive air fluffer
US6637714B1 (en) 2002-06-06 2003-10-28 Leslie Margaret Hall Apparatus for supporting reading material
US20040047009A1 (en) * 2002-09-10 2004-03-11 Taylor Thomas N. Automated page turning apparatus to assist in viewing pages of a document
US20040061037A1 (en) * 2001-03-29 2004-04-01 Loyce Smartt Adjustable reading bookstand
US6725501B2 (en) 2002-07-31 2004-04-27 Fki Industries, Inc. Caster with universal mount and swivel and wheel lock
US20040163028A1 (en) * 2003-02-18 2004-08-19 Olarig Sompong P. Technique for implementing chipkill in a memory system
US6860458B1 (en) * 2001-07-30 2005-03-01 Samuel Pagano Book holder
US20060022096A1 (en) * 2004-07-28 2006-02-02 Chin-Chung Chan Multi-functional adjustable computer support stand
US20060081316A1 (en) * 2004-10-18 2006-04-20 Mr. Joseph Dallas Dallas Windguard
US20080316551A1 (en) * 2002-09-10 2008-12-25 Kirtas Technologies, Inc. Automated page turning apparatus to assist in viewing pages of a document
US20090065674A1 (en) * 2007-09-11 2009-03-12 Michael Angelo Spinelli Music Stand Wind Screen Apparatus
US20090180085A1 (en) * 2008-01-15 2009-07-16 Kirtas Technologies, Inc. System and method for large format imaging
US20150174603A1 (en) * 2011-10-28 2015-06-25 Nordson Corporation Mountable Device For Dispensing Heated Adhesive
US9326621B1 (en) 2015-04-02 2016-05-03 Metal Masters Foodservice Equipment Co., Inc. Food shield
US9339131B1 (en) 2015-04-02 2016-05-17 Metal Masters Foodservice Equipment Company, Inc. Food shield
US9516958B1 (en) 2015-04-02 2016-12-13 Metal Masters Foodservice Equipment Company, Inc. Adjustable food shield
US9723935B1 (en) 2015-04-02 2017-08-08 Metal Masters Foodservice Equipment Co., Inc. Adjustable food shield
JP6471277B1 (ja) * 2017-09-08 2019-02-13 中山　友子 書見台

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2773687B1 (fr) 1998-01-20 2000-03-17 Denis Descamps Dispositif de lecture en position allongee sur le dos
FR2812178B1 (fr) 2000-07-25 2002-12-13 Pierre Jean Chibaudel Suspension de confort pour les deux avant-bras replies d'une personne couchee sur le dos
CN109222528B (zh) * 2018-09-29 2021-02-12 温州企一家具有限公司 一种具有包装展示功能的书架

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US363047A (en) * 1887-05-17 Eodolphe claughton
US1041101A (en) * 1912-04-10 1912-10-15 Stephan Kobzy Book-holder.
US1483396A (en) * 1922-05-01 1924-02-12 Terrell Oliver Clark Book and loose-leaf holder
US2193907A (en) * 1938-07-27 1940-03-19 Love Wilbert Blake Reading and writing table
US3213482A (en) * 1963-02-11 1965-10-26 Faultless Caster Corp Sanitary caster
US3790770A (en) * 1972-11-20 1974-02-05 E Stern Illuminated book support
FR2224979A5 (en) * 1973-04-09 1974-10-31 Gautrot Rene Multi-purpose desk stand for typists - is fully adjustable to support texts etc. at desired height and angle
US3981522A (en) * 1975-05-28 1976-09-21 Emjay Industries, Inc. Book holder
US4496126A (en) * 1982-07-13 1985-01-29 Melton R Stanley Table mounted universally positionable book holder enabling readers _to turn pages easily without hands
US4553728A (en) * 1984-05-23 1985-11-19 Thomas Corsello Multiple position bookstand
DE3903543A1 (de) * 1988-09-21 1990-03-22 Bunge Rainer Dipl Betriebsw Haltevorrichtung zum lesen von buechern, zeitschriften oder dgl., einstellbar zum lesen in jeder position
US5058848A (en) * 1990-12-17 1991-10-22 Ferraro James A Reading material holder
US5072909A (en) * 1990-05-10 1991-12-17 Huang Tzu Ping Adjustable cup holder in the car

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FR1143730A (fr) * 1955-12-28 1957-10-04 Pupitre de lecture pour livres, cahiers, notes et manuscrits, destiné en particulier à des personnes couchées
DE3011170A1 (de) * 1979-04-06 1980-10-23 Josef Zaplotnik Lesegeraet
DE3826534A1 (de) * 1988-08-04 1990-02-08 Helmut Dr Ing Odemer Lesegeraet fuer buecher

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US363047A (en) * 1887-05-17 Eodolphe claughton
US1041101A (en) * 1912-04-10 1912-10-15 Stephan Kobzy Book-holder.
US1483396A (en) * 1922-05-01 1924-02-12 Terrell Oliver Clark Book and loose-leaf holder
US2193907A (en) * 1938-07-27 1940-03-19 Love Wilbert Blake Reading and writing table
US3213482A (en) * 1963-02-11 1965-10-26 Faultless Caster Corp Sanitary caster
US3790770A (en) * 1972-11-20 1974-02-05 E Stern Illuminated book support
FR2224979A5 (en) * 1973-04-09 1974-10-31 Gautrot Rene Multi-purpose desk stand for typists - is fully adjustable to support texts etc. at desired height and angle
US3981522A (en) * 1975-05-28 1976-09-21 Emjay Industries, Inc. Book holder
US4496126A (en) * 1982-07-13 1985-01-29 Melton R Stanley Table mounted universally positionable book holder enabling readers _to turn pages easily without hands
US4553728A (en) * 1984-05-23 1985-11-19 Thomas Corsello Multiple position bookstand
DE3903543A1 (de) * 1988-09-21 1990-03-22 Bunge Rainer Dipl Betriebsw Haltevorrichtung zum lesen von buechern, zeitschriften oder dgl., einstellbar zum lesen in jeder position
US5072909A (en) * 1990-05-10 1991-12-17 Huang Tzu Ping Adjustable cup holder in the car
US5058848A (en) * 1990-12-17 1991-10-22 Ferraro James A Reading material holder

Cited By (41)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5655744A (en) * 1995-04-28 1997-08-12 Eisman; Gregg Fredric Device for holding printed material
US5720465A (en) * 1995-12-21 1998-02-24 Peltzer; Eric T. Multi-position reading stand
US6283433B1 (en) * 1996-04-18 2001-09-04 Jonathan Lloyd-Hind Method and apparatus for mounting articles
US5913502A (en) * 1997-04-24 1999-06-22 Smith; Jimmie Wesley Document holder
US6116562A (en) * 1997-08-21 2000-09-12 Griffin; Marguerite Portable magnifier stand
WO1999009859A1 (en) * 1997-08-27 1999-03-04 Mind To Market, Inc. Book holder assembly
US6045159A (en) * 1998-01-25 2000-04-04 Darcat Corp. Book holder
US6161803A (en) * 1998-08-28 2000-12-19 Lucent Technologies Inc. Expandable wiring trough for telecommunications equipment
US6045107A (en) * 1998-12-09 2000-04-04 Carlson; Terry A. Holder for reading material
US6439533B2 (en) * 1999-12-17 2002-08-27 Todd Armstrong Book display method and apparatus
US20040061037A1 (en) * 2001-03-29 2004-04-01 Loyce Smartt Adjustable reading bookstand
US7083155B1 (en) * 2001-03-29 2006-08-01 Loyce Smartt Adjustable reading bookstand
US6860458B1 (en) * 2001-07-30 2005-03-01 Samuel Pagano Book holder
WO2003030520A2 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-04-10 Kirtas Technologies, Inc. Automatic book page turner for imaging
WO2003030519A2 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-04-10 Kirtas Technologies, Inc. Automatic book page turner for imaging
WO2003030520A3 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-07-10 Kirtas Technologies Inc Automatic book page turner for imaging
US6611362B2 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-08-26 Xerox Corporation Automatic book page turner for imaging
US6574014B2 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-06-03 Xerox Corporation Automatic book page turner for imaging
WO2003030519A3 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-07-10 Kirtas Technologies Inc Automatic book page turner for imaging
US6598839B2 (en) 2001-11-09 2003-07-29 Van J. Loughman Entertainment stand
US7595915B2 (en) 2002-03-15 2009-09-29 Kirtas Technologies, Inc. Page turning apparatus with a vacuum plenum and an adaptive air fluffer
US20030172795A1 (en) * 2002-03-15 2003-09-18 Lotfi Belkhir Page turning apparatus with a vacuum plenum and an adaptive air fluffer
US6637714B1 (en) 2002-06-06 2003-10-28 Leslie Margaret Hall Apparatus for supporting reading material
US6725501B2 (en) 2002-07-31 2004-04-27 Fki Industries, Inc. Caster with universal mount and swivel and wheel lock
US20080316551A1 (en) * 2002-09-10 2008-12-25 Kirtas Technologies, Inc. Automated page turning apparatus to assist in viewing pages of a document
US20040047009A1 (en) * 2002-09-10 2004-03-11 Taylor Thomas N. Automated page turning apparatus to assist in viewing pages of a document
US7557965B2 (en) 2002-09-10 2009-07-07 Kirtas Technologies, Inc. Automated page turning apparatus to assist in viewing pages of a document
US20040163028A1 (en) * 2003-02-18 2004-08-19 Olarig Sompong P. Technique for implementing chipkill in a memory system
US20060022096A1 (en) * 2004-07-28 2006-02-02 Chin-Chung Chan Multi-functional adjustable computer support stand
US7118080B2 (en) * 2004-07-28 2006-10-10 Chin-Chung Chan Multi-functional adjustable computer support stand
US20060081316A1 (en) * 2004-10-18 2006-04-20 Mr. Joseph Dallas Dallas Windguard
US20090065674A1 (en) * 2007-09-11 2009-03-12 Michael Angelo Spinelli Music Stand Wind Screen Apparatus
US20090180085A1 (en) * 2008-01-15 2009-07-16 Kirtas Technologies, Inc. System and method for large format imaging
US20150174603A1 (en) * 2011-10-28 2015-06-25 Nordson Corporation Mountable Device For Dispensing Heated Adhesive
US9326621B1 (en) 2015-04-02 2016-05-03 Metal Masters Foodservice Equipment Co., Inc. Food shield
US9339131B1 (en) 2015-04-02 2016-05-17 Metal Masters Foodservice Equipment Company, Inc. Food shield
US9516958B1 (en) 2015-04-02 2016-12-13 Metal Masters Foodservice Equipment Company, Inc. Adjustable food shield
US9538868B1 (en) 2015-04-02 2017-01-10 Metal Masters Foodservice Equipment Company, Inc. Food shield
US9723935B1 (en) 2015-04-02 2017-08-08 Metal Masters Foodservice Equipment Co., Inc. Adjustable food shield
US10159363B1 (en) 2015-04-02 2018-12-25 Metal Masters Foodservice Equipment Co., Inc. Adjustable food shield
JP6471277B1 (ja) * 2017-09-08 2019-02-13 中山　友子 書見台

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0601510A1 (de) 1994-06-15
ATE155972T1 (de) 1997-08-15
DE69312653D1 (de) 1997-09-04
EP0601510B1 (de) 1997-07-30
CA2110651A1 (en) 1994-06-08

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